HM CORONER

If the death was sudden, unexpected or if the deceased had not seen the doctor in the last 14 days, the death could be referred to the Coroner. In some cases the GP or hospital doctor may be granted permission by the Coroner to issue the death certificate and the Coroner may decide that a post mortem is necessary to establish a cause of death.

If the death is found to be from natural causes and there is no inquest, the Coroner will inform the Registrar and yourself. Form 100A (or Pink Form 100B if there’s a post mortem) would be sent directly to the registrar. The Coroner shall advise when the form is sent so that you may make an appointment with the Registrar (See Registering a Death).

The Coroner will also issue an Order for Burial Form 101 or Certificate for Cremation Form 6 for the funeral director.

If the Coroner decides to hold an inquest

If the cause of death could not be established, the death was violent or unnatural or if the deceased died in prison or police custody the Coroner will hold an inquest.

The death cannot be registered until after the inquest but the Coroner can issue an Interim Certificate of Fact of Death to you that can be used to inform banks, insurance companies, etc.

After the inquest the Coroner shall inform the Registrar and the death will be registered with no-one present.